What’s Old And New At The Harvard Cup

Buffalo, NY – The weather was crisp, the sky was blue, and the fans waved the colors of their favorite team. It was a picture perfect day for the 103rd annual Harvard Cup Game at All High Stadium in Buffalo. This year’s match was between McKinley and Grover Cleveland high schools. McKinley won, 14-0, repeating their title from 2005.

While the game was a continuance of wonderful traditions in Buffalo, it also included new elements. First and foremost, the stadium is in the midst of a $7 million renovation, and now sports a new synthetic field. “Every Thanksgiving Day we played in a foot of mud,” said Bob Marshall, who played with the McKinley team in the 1940’s, when they won five straight Harvard Cup championships. “This field is gorgeous.”

Fans were also treated to a half-time performance by a “new” marching band, which combines musicians from four area high schools. “It’s our first time doing this, and we hope it’s just the beginning,” said Band Director Timothy Lyon.

As for the stadium renovation, there is still between $3 and $4 million worth of work to be done. A new track and new locker rooms should be finished by April, according to Buffalo Schools Superintendent Dr. James Williams. “This is what we want to bring back to the Buffalo school system,” he said, “excitement in sports and academics.”